Children’s Hikes
There is nothing more joyful that watching children playing outside in nature, splashing in creeks, and skipping rocks or exploring trails and looking for creepy crawly things. But numerous studies show that children spend less time in nature now than any previous generation. And that lack of exposure and play outdoors can come at a cost: time and play in nature can assist cognitive development including creativity and focus and of course, the benefits physically are numerous. Like their adult counterparts, time in nature can help reduce children’s stress and anxiety.
Taking children on hikes in beautiful Western PA along the Rachel Carson Trail is an easy way to provide opportunities for exploring and playing in nature. In summer of 2024, the RCTC launched the “Grandma & River” hikes that I lead, accompanied by my then 3 ½ year old grandson, River. We hosted a series of hikes along Crouse Run, the Harmony Trail and Emmerling Park. This past summer, River (now 4 ½) once again offered the hikes adding a fourth in Hampton Community Park (unfortunately, that one was rained out).
The hikes were simple, slow-paced walks from one to two miles long that allowed the shortest of legs to keep up and explore. We were able to take advantage of nearby creeks for water play with each hike and the children really took advantage of those opportunities! Participants were much muddier and wetter after our hikes. “Flynn asked if he could get his shoes wet. As a Mimi I said why not, we're on an adventure!” Linda Marty said who attended with her grandson.
According to Victoria Schuster, her daughters. Sloane, 4, and Maxine, 3, also took advantage of the creek. “We really enjoyed our Grandma & River hike because we saw a new trail that offered kid friendly access into nature. My girls loved splashing in the creek to spy for salamanders. Mark (Eyerman) even pointed out a water snake to them. The trail is also convenient to access and navigate - close parking, and kid friendly terrain,” she said.
Children were also provided a small snack and a hiking-related “prize” – a compass, hiking whistle, small flashlight with instructions on how to use and why these tools are important for hikers.
JoAnn Davis also attended with her grandchildren, “Starting with getting a safety whistle, Kathleen made our adventure filled with discovery and fun! We ended with muddy shoes and talks of the frog and creatures we found. It was a great hike to share with grandkids!”
Stay tuned for more Grandma & River hikes in the future.